Muslim, Christian, Hindu and Sikh leaders forged unity and condemned the desecration
of the Holy Quran in the strongest possible words in “Ihtiram-e-Mazahab Conference”
organized under the banner of Directorate of Interfaith Relations of Minhaj-u-Quran
International and Muslim-Christian Dialogue Forum in the MQI’s Secretariat in Lahore
yesterday. The Conference was presided over by Faiz-ur-Rehman Durrani, Amir of MQI,
while Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi, Secretary General of MQI, was the guest of honour
on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Raheeq Ahmad Abbasi said that the reprehensible
act of Terry Jones has highlighted yet again the need of legislation at the international
level so that the repeat of such heinous acts could be checked through effective
measures and none should dare do any such thing in future. He said that civilizations
and religions need to forge unity in their ranks and promote dialogue to defeat
the like of Terry Jones who tried to damage efforts being made for interfaith harmony
in the world. He said that MQI would continue to play its due role in this regard.

Father James Chanan of UR International said that Terry Jones is a self-declared
priest and the Christian community does not accept him as a Pastor. He said that
the desecration of the Holy Quran is a criminal act, which needs to be condemned
at every level. The followers of the Christian religion, he added, take a strong
exception to his act. He said that the teachings of Christ are based on peace, love
and harmony and a true follower of this religion cannot even think of committing
such a horrible crime.

Revered Joseph C. Lal said in his speech that the act of Terry Jones intended
to create fissures and conflict between two religions, which the peace-loving people
have foiled. He stressed the need of sustained dialogue amongst civilizations and
religions in the interest of global peace and welfare of humanity. He asked the
international community to move against the likes of Terry Jones and make an example
out of them.

Revered Majeed Abel said in his talk that the forces of evil want to play the
followers of different religions against one another but they are destined to fail.
He said that Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri is ambassador of peace and the conduct of
such conferences would promote the culture of tolerance and harmony in the world.
He said that the Christian community does not have anything to do with the idiots
such as Terry Jones who is a disciple of Satan. He demanded of the international
authorities to indict him on charges of international terrorism.

Ijaz Chaudhry, vice president of Tehreek-i-Insaaf, said in this speech that Terry
Jones has committed heinous act, which has attracted condemnation from around the
world. He demanded that Terry Jones must be tried in the International Court of
Justice.

Francis Nadeem, Coordinator of Interfaith Dialogue, said in his talk that Terry
Jones is not a Christian but a terrorist and every follower of Christian community
condemns his act in the strongest possible words.

Speaking on the occasion, Rai Muzammal Hussain, President of PPP Ulama Council,
said that Terry Jones is an enemy of humanity and a representative of extremist
mindset and fundamentalism. He further said that there is no need to worry as people
like Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri are present to frustrate the designs
of such elements. He said that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is working to bring civilizations
together on the shared agenda of human welfare, peace and interfaith dialogue.

Hindu leader Pundit Baghit Singh said in his speech that the Hindu community
blasts the sacrilege of the Holy Quran and highlights the need of enhanced engagement
among religions for future of humanity. He said that Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is a second
name of love and peace and his community values the efforts he is making for promotion
of peace in the world.

Pir Athar-ul-Qadri, central leader of Tahuffiz-e-Namoos-e-Rasaalat, said that
Terry Jones would not be able to escape Divine Wrath and demanded of the US government
to take strict action against him.

Akram Masih, member of National Assembly from minorities, said on the occasion
that Terry Jones is a self-styled Pastor who deals in furniture on internet. He
has nothing to do with Christianity. He further said that some vested interests
cannot spoil the global peace and harmony in the world.